Tommy Dean Thomas, 78, of Rose Hill, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on June 24, 2025. He was born on May 30, 1947, in Irvine, Kentucky, to the late Gardner Thomas and Stella Clay Hambrick Thomas.
A devoted husband, Tommy, shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with his cherished wife, Modena Edmonson Thomas. Together, they built a loving family and a life grounded in faith and service. He was a proud father to Jennifer (David) Allen, Anthony (Becky) Thomas, and Micah (Lisa) Thomas. His legacy continues through his grandchildren—Kayla (Robert) Lair, Corey (Latasha) Allen, and Alexander Allen—and great-grandchildren Rex Thomas Lair, Tanner Warren, Brantley Warren, and Leighton Lopresto.
Tommy dedicated his life to serving others, both as a pastor and a social worker. He was ordained into the ministry at Providence Baptist Church in 1974 and remained faithful to God throughout his life, serving as Pastor of numerous churches. He also had a very fulfilling career with the Virginia Department of Social Services, from which he retired at the age of 72. He pursued his theological education at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College and furthered his studies at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), earning his Bachelor of Social Work Degree.
A proud veteran, Tommy served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969.
In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he is survived by his siblings: his twin brother Tony (Joyce) Thomas, of Irvine, KY, his brothers, Gardner Thomas Jr. of Louisiana, Tracy Thomas of Irvine, KY, and Travis (Carol) Thomas of Nicholasville, KY, his sisters Carolyn Stepp, Alice Webb, and Marlene Webb, all of Irvine, KY, his sister-in-laws Brenda King of Rose Hill Virginia and Joanne Thomas of Hamilton, Ohio, brother-in-law Paul Cowan of Port Orange Florida, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Wayne, Elmer, and Charles Thomas, his sister Thelma Cowan, his sister-in-laws Patricia, June, and Opal Thomas, and his brother-in-laws Bill Stepp and Roy Webb.
Tommy wanted everyone to hear the good news about Jesus Christ and longed for everyone he met to come to know the Lord as their Savior. He also came to understand the importance of donating blood during his treatment journey and would ask if you could donate; please do so as often as possible to help the numerous others requiring those lifesaving donations.
Tommy will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his kind and generous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and church. His life was a testament to service, humility, and grace.
Services will be held at Providence Baptist Church in Irvine, KY. A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, with funeral services immediately following at 2:30 PM. He will be laid to rest in Turpin Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting, www.RobinetteFuneralHomes.com.
Robinette Funeral Home of Rose Hill, VA and Toler Funeral Home of Irvine, KY are serving the Thomas family.
